Ukraine warns airlines as drone strikes raise risks over Russian skies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned airlines and insurers that Russian airspace is becoming dangerous as Kyiv steps up drone strikes, saying drones will operate over Russian skies and urging carriers to reconsider flights to Russian airports including Moscow and St Petersburg.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not target civilian aircraft but that the scale of drone activity inside Russia must be considered. He framed the situation as a consequence of the war started by Russia and called attention to increased risk for airlines using Russian routes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by saying Zelensky’s remarks equated to a declaration of state terrorism and reiterated that Russia would continue its attacks on Ukraine. Putin also acknowledged damage to Russian infrastructure from Ukrainian strikes and said a portion of oil refinery capacity remained to be repaired.

Aviation risk firm Osprey Flight Solutions alerted clients that most Ukrainian drone and missile strikes likely occur within 300km of the border but that daily attacks deeper inside Russia were expected to continue, noting a realistic possibility that strike frequency could increase and that miscalculation or misidentification was possible in areas tied to the conflict.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The statements from Ukrainian and Russian leaders, the advisory from Osprey Flight Solutions and reports of strikes on energy and infrastructure indicate elevated risk to air operations over and to Russian territory. Airlines continuing to use Russian airspace face warnings from Kyiv and evolving operational advisories from risk analysts.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Ukrainian president warned airlines that Russian airspace is increasingly dangerous due to scaled-up drone strikes.
• Zelensky said Ukraine does not target civilian aircraft but drones will operate over Russian skies; he singled out flights to Moscow and St Petersburg.
• Russian president called the warning a declaration of state terrorism and said Russia would keep striking Ukraine; risk firm Osprey warned of strikes both near and deeper inside Russia.

Kaynak: BBC